Foot balancing means



C. P. LEYDECKER FOOT BALANCING MEANS Filed Dec. 12, 1958 April 15, 1941.

Patented Apr. 15, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEA FOOT BALANCING MEANSCharles P. Leydecker, Webster Groves, Mo. Application December 12, 1938,lSerial No. 245,084 Y (c1. srs-71) l 11 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to shoes, and more particularlyto means for achieving foot balance and correct position within a shoe,and a method for effecting such balance and position.

The present application comprises a continuation in part of my copendingapplication Serial No. 194,021, filed March 5, 1938.

The present invention is predicated upon the theory that there is onlyone longitudinal bone arch in the foot construction when the heel boneor os calcis is raised above the plane of the forepart of the foot, themain columns or supports of which comprise the posterior portion of theplantar surface of the os calcis and the forward portion of the rstmetatarsal. Many authorities aver that there are three or four arches inthe longitudinal dimension of the foot; but a study of the bones in thefeet shows that the many bones which comprise a foot when in the juststated relationship make up one complete arch, some -parts of which areconcave and some parts of which are convex, vbut `all of whichcontribute to the one single arch.

Modern ,shoe construction has resulted in the dropping of certain bonesof the foot, notably the os calcis, cuboid and the fifth metatarsal, sothat `the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal contacts the shoe inwalking at a point below aplane through the bottom of the posteriorportion of the plantar surface of the os calcis and the forward portionof the first metatarsal. This,however, is not a natural position. Thislowering of the enumerated bones of the feet has been caused byconstructing shoes rwith heels, which, of course, raises the position ofthe os calcis relative to the forward portion of the lrst metatarsal.

Many devices have been devised in .an effort to compensate for theposition of the bones in the foot in this man-made position relative tothe ground, and .none of them has been singularly successful. Many haveconcentrated on supporting the `inner side of the foot at the center ofthe arch by means which are generally designated arch supports, whichsupport soft tissue.

However, few have seriously yconsidered .the outer side of thelongitudinal arch and the raising of the os calcis from the plantarsurface which, `in the final analysis, is; the primary weight carrier ofthe foot. Experiment has shown that the weightof the body in walking iscarried from the posterior portion of the os calcis, or heel bone, whichis the largest and strongest of the tarsal bones because its office isto transmit the Weight of the body to the ground, as one main supportCII along a substantially curved line through the cuboid and the fthmetatarsal to the forward portion of the rst metatarsal as the othermain support. In other words, in walking, rthe weight of the body isdistributed along the outer edge of the foot substantially in an arc ofa circle from the heel bone to the forward portion of the firstmetatarsal. The forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and secondmetatarsal lassist Vto only a minor degree this weight transfer fromthev base of theiifth metatarsal yto the forward portion of the rstmetatarsal when the posterior portion of the plantar surface of the oscalcis and the forward portion of the first metatarsal areon the sameplane, but when the former is raised relative to the 4latter by heelstheir weight-shifting function increases greatly. The foot has atendency to roll, which is a balanced movement when the heel is notmaintained raised relative to the metatarsals.

Before proceeding, it should be observed here that the lower portion ofthe os calcis is not flat, but is rounded and normally has onetuberosity on the outer side and another forwardly on 'the plantarsurface. To prevent all wobbling and elongating of the foot in walking,a support is necessary beneath the head of the fifth metatarsal andforepart of the plantar surface of the os calcis, for the tuberosity onthe plantar surface, which is about one inch in front of the bearingsurface of the os calcis, helps carry weight when shoes with heels areworn, which changes the general relationship of the bones of the foot.

As the weight is shifted forwardly in walking from the an-terior portionof the os calcis to the base of the fth metatarsal, the fth metatarsal,which is, in effect, a marked protuberance, assists in the forwardshifting thereof by contact with the walking surface. However, when theheel bone is elevated, the base of the fifth metatarsal is likewiserelatively elevated and, to contact the walking surface, must drop agreater degree, which results instraining the main longitudinal arch,inasmuch as the bone structure must give to allow this unnaturalultimate position of the base of the fth metatarsal and the forepart ofthe os calcis. This `dropping .downwardly of the rear portion of thefifth metatarsal and anterior portion of the os calcis accentuates therolling weight distribution through the foot and results in the outwardturning over of the shoe, which is one of thevgreatest wear points inmodern shoe `construction. 'Ihe majority of shoes,r after being worn .ashort while, show this `overturning outwardly of the .upper over theedge of the sole.

It should be observed that the position of the os calcis in a normalfoot without a raise under it lies obliquely or at an angle that variesaccording to the height of the longitudinal arch, pointing upward at anangle of about 18 on an average. The more this angle is decreased, whichdecrease varies directly in proportion to heel heights, the more weightis thrown on the transverse arch, causing an undue strain on themuscles, tendons, and ligaments. In other words, the forward portion ofthe os calcis should be some distance from the bearing surface of thefloor or ground under weight bearing. When heels are worn, the forwardportion of the os calcisis lowered and there is considerable strain onthe muscles, tendons, and ligaments to hold this forward portion up inrelation to the shoe. When the os calcis is not supported .properly inthe shoe, there is a gradual weakening of all the supporting tissues,which allows the os calcis to drop.

This dropping downwardly of the forepart of the os calcis accentuatesthe rolling weight distribution throughout the foot and allows the archto elongate from one-eighth to three-,fourths inches according to theheight of the arch at rest.

When the arch is held in its normal position, the foot becomes shorter.Unless the anterior portion of the os calcis is properly supported whenthe os calcis is raised, the arch cannot be held in its normal positionunder weight bearing, and it must be continued to be supported in orderto keep the foot in its correct position.

The present invention contemplates correcting the distorted action ofbone structure, when shoes with heels are worn, by providing a supportfor the front or anterior portion of the os calcis, which will not allowit to drop under weight bearing, The holding up of the anterior portionof the os calcis will assist nature to keep the foot normal and naturewill be able to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments when .thefoot -is weak. To compensate for the position of the bones in thisman-made position relative to the ground, the anterior portion of the oscalcis must be supported on a plane much higher than the posteriorportion. As the foot distributes the weight forward as in walking, theanterior portion must be supported so that the weight will be shifted tothe cuboid and the base of the fifth metatarsal very evenly without toomuch roll. The conventional arch supports and different kinds ofbalances to date have tried to support the inner side of the `os calcisand, in doing this, they fail to give the foot its normal balancebecause the plantar surface must be supported to prevent the anteriorpor l'on of the os calcis from displacing itself downwardly. l

It can be noted that nature has provided a space where the os calcis hasbeen hollowed out on the inner side so that the nerves, arteries, andveins can pass from the plantar surface without any impingement that caninterfere with their norma-l functions. This provision by nature allowsthe os calcis to be raised to the proper height, after it has beendropped, without interi fering with circulation or with .the nerves.

The present invention contemplates correcting this distorted action ofthe bone structure by providing a support for the forward portion of theos calcis and for the front and rear portions of the fifth metatarsaland the front portions of the fourth, third, and second metatarsalswhich will alleviate strain in the foot and save this undue overturningof theshoes outwardly,

The undue lowering of the anterior portion of the os calcis and theoutside bone structure of the Cil foot, resultant of raising the heelrelative to the forward portion of the first metatarsal, strains thewhole foot structure and causes tiring of an individual prematurely,Only when the foot is properly balanced is the circulation of the bloodnormal and can the blood enter and leave the pedal extremities withoutstraining the heart. There are nerves passing through the foot whichtransmit the `proper amount of nerve impulses when the circulation isnormal, and quite obviously impoverished circulation will lead tosubnormal nerve impulses and resultant impaired activity of the feet.Lengthy experiments have proved that a foot housed in a shoe constructedin line with the present invention has normal blood circulation. Wearersof such shoes have been able to withstand very substantially greaterstrains in usage of the feet than when wearing shoes of conventionaldesign and construction.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide means forbalancing a foot within a shoe to reduce bone, muscle and nerve strain,and to prevent the outward overturning of the shoe upper over the edgeof the sole.

Another object is to provide a method of balancing a foot within a shoeto secure proper foot balance and proper foot position.

Another object is to provide a device for insertion within a shoeadapted to support the forward portions of the i'lfth, fourth, third,and second metatarsals and the base of the fifth metatarsal atpredetermined levels labove the sole of the shoe.

Another object is to provide a device for obtaining correct foot balancecomprising a shoe insert constructed of a thickness in ratio to the heelheight of the shoe 4in which it is to be employed.

Another object is to provide a device for insertion within a shoe whichis adapted to elevate the -anterior portion of the os calcis of a footdisposed within the shoe Another object is to provide a device forinsertion within a shoe which is adapted to elevate the anterior portionof the os calcis, the base of the fifth metatarsal, and fthe forwardportions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals of a footdisposed within the shoe.

Another object is to provide an insert for a shoe which is adapted tostrengthen the longitudinal arch of a foot disposed within the shoe, andto prevent undue outward rolling of such foot.

Another object is to provide an insert for a.

y shoe which is adapted to support the anterior portion of the os calcisand to prevent the forward sliding of a foot disposed within the shoe.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, inwhich:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a shoe equipped with a deviceconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention,the bones of a foot being dotted in in contacting relation with thedevice;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, the footskeletonrelationship being shown;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a shoe taken opposite to Fig. 1, the presentinvention being installed in operative relation therewith, the upper ofthe shoe being in section for clarity of illustration, and the bones ofa foot being shown in contacting relation with the present novel device;

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4--4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a section onthe line 5-5of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a section on .the line ali-,6 of Fig. `.2.

Referring to the V,drawing more particularly by reference numerals,there is shown a shoe I including an outer sole `II, an linsole I2, aheel I3, and an upper I4. vlWithin theshoe If! there are cooperativelydisposed twoinserts I6 and vI1 which are constructed in accordance withvthe concepts of the present invention. The insert I-1 is of elongatedconfiguration and is of `substantially the same construction as theinsert .forming the subject matter of my copending application SerialNo. 194,021, filed March 5, 1938. The insert -I'I differs from that V,ofmy copending application only in the termination thereof along the lineI8 (Fig. 2). The yinsert I1 includes a `plural-ity of layers I9, 2-0,2l, and 22 which are of `varying lengths, as can be readily appreciatedfrom an inspection of Fig. 3. The long top layer I9 is of a width torest beneath the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third,

andlsecond metatarsals of a foot within the shoe I0. The underlyinglayers 20, 2l, and 22 areof lesser widths in order to ease the maximumheight of the insert I1 to the level of the insoleI2.

The insert I6, as shown, includes a plurality of layers 25, 26, 21, 28,29 30, 3l and 32 (Fig. 4), although the specific number of layers mayvary. The layers 25-32 are of varying lengths and are ydisposed so thatthe insert t5 longitudinally includes an intermediately disposed peak(Fig. l). The base layer 32 is disposed well back-overthe heel I 3,whereas the superposed layers arestepped forwardly to provide asmoothinclined surface 33. The rear edges of the layers 2f5-32 arebeveled to effect the smooth inclined surface 33. The top layer 25 is arela-tively short piece and is located to receive in sustaining relationthe protuberance 35 on the plantar surface of the anterior portion ofthe heel bone of an os calcis 3'6. Layers 30, .31, and 3.2 terminate atthe rear line I8 of the insert I1, but Ythe layers 26, 21, 28, and 29extend forwardly over a portion of Vthe insert I 1 (Fig. 2), being cutaway along the outer sides from the edge IB vof the insert I'I 1:

forwardly to permit the insert I1 to receive in supporting relation therearrportion of a fth metatarsal (40 (Fig. 3). The layers 2.5, 21, 28,and `29 shelve off forwardly vto provide an easement for the tissues ofthe foot disposed thereover. The foot skeleton .38 is dotted in so thatthe bones thereof are in' contacting relation with the inserts I6 and I1and the insole I2 in order to more clearly illustrate thepresentinvention. It

is, of course, appreciated that flesh and skin separate the bones fromthe surface of such bearing surfaces. Figs. 1 and 3 clearly show the disposition of the os calcis 36 relative to the insert I5. The cuboid 39finds some support on the insert I 6 also. The rear portion of the fifthmetatarsal d0 is supported Ihy the insert lI'I (Fig. 3). The forwardportions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second metatarsals d0, 4h42,and 43,- respectively, are likewise supported by the insert I1, theinsert I1 easing the aforesaid portions of the fifth, fourth, third, andsecond metatarsals from the highest point of the insert I1 to the levelof the insole I2 (Fig. 2).

In use, the inserts I6 and I1 are disposed in l a shoe against theinsole I2 and beneath the sock lining (not shown). The number oflayersemployed for the insert I 6 and the number of layers employed for theinsert I1 will necessarily vary with a particular foot, but theprinci-ple -involved remains ,the same. The anterior portion rof the vosvcalcis 36 is positively supported by the .insert ITG in a manner toassist in sustaining Ithe integrity of the 'longitudinal arch. Somesupport is likewise Alent to the cuboid 39, but the essential functionof the insert I6 is the support of the forward portion of the os calcis36. It must be emphasized here that the insert I 6 is not an archsupport in the present meaning of the term, as is `evident from thepresent disclosure. The insert I1 gives positive support to the vrearportion -of the fifth metatarsal 40, -thereby assisting toV preventbreakdown of the longitudinal arch. The support of the rear portion ofthe fifth metatarsal 40 likewise prevents outward overturning` of theshoe. The insert I1 alsoraises from the level of the insole I2 theforward portions of the fifth, fourth, third, and second lmetatarsalsdil-43, respectively, which assists the'weight-shiftin-g function ofvthese bones.

It is clear from the foregoing that the inserts I6 and If'l, insupporting the several particularly mentioned bones, relieve strain onthe tendons, muscles, ligaments andnerves which so often upset thecomplete human system. Both the longitudinal and the transverse archesare supported and allowed to function normally. The insert ItVsecon-darily serves as a stop to prevent a foo-t from sliding forwardlyin the shoe. The heel is, in effect, blocked up by the insert I S, which-acts as a fulc-rum for the plantar `facis ligaments, allowing them tocontract to assist in holding up the longitudinal arch. As has beenpreviously pointed out, undue rolling of the foot outwardly to overturnthe upper of the shoe is prevented.

The inserts I6 and I1 have vbeen described individually and ascomprising a plurality o-f layers of material. It is contemplated aswithin the scope of the present invention that the inserts be ofindividual one-piece construction. It is further contemplated that theybe vconsolidated into a single solid unit or that they may comprise onelaminated unit, for they function as a unit. Experience has shown thatthe use of several elemen-lisas shown, facilitates the securing of theproper relative thickness atl critical points, but the foregoing `otherconstructions may be expeditiously employed for certain installations.Any suitable material may be used for the con-y struction of the insertsI6 and I1 such as leather, resilient materials, and the like. Thematerial employed for the insert will necessarily vary with thecondition of a particular foot.

It is to be `understood that the foregoingT description and accompanyingdrawing have been given by way of illustration and example, and not for-purposes of limitation, the invention being limited by the `claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis of a foot, means forsupporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supportingthe forward portionsI of the fifth., fourth, third and secondmetatarsals, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permitthe head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the oscalcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device isassociated.

2. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supportingthe cuboid, said means being adapted to support the oscalcis and thecuboid in their normal arch positions, means for supporting the base ofthe fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forward portions ofthe fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said supporting devicebeing of restricted extent topermit the head of the first metatarsal andthe posterior portion of the os calsis to be supported by the insole ofa shoe with which said device is associated.

3. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, said os calcissupporting means being of a thickness to maintain the anterior plantarsurface of the os calcis in its normal longitudinal arch relationship,means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, and means forsupporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and secondmetatarsals, said supporting device being of restricted extent to permitthe head of thel first metatarsal and the posterior portion of the oscalcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which said device isassociated.

4. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supportingthe base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forwardportions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said lastmeans being of greater thickness tion of the fifth metatarsal than thesupporting means beneath the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal, saidsupporting device being of restricted extent to permit the head of thefirst metatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to besupported by the insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

5. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supportingthe base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the forwardportions of the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsals, said lastmeans being of less thickness beneath the forward portion of the secondforward portion of the fth metatarsal, said supporting device being ofrestricted extent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and theposterior portion of the os calcis to be supported by the insole of ashoe with which said device is i associated.

6. A device for insertion in a shoe comprising an .elongated insertadapted to be disposed on the inner sole along the outer edge thereof,said insert having a portion to be disposed beneath the base of thefifth metatarsal and a portion to be vdisposed beneath the forwardportion of the fifth metatarsal, said latter portion being of greaterthickness than the former, said insert being o-f restricted extent topermit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion of theos calcis of a foot to be supported by the insole of the shoe.

7. A device for insertion in a shoe comprising an elongated insertadapted to be disposed on the inner sole along the outer edge thereof,said insert having a portion to be disposed beneath the beneath theforward pormetatarsal than beneath the v os calcis being of greater baseof the fifth metatarsal and a portion to be disposed beneath the forwardportion of the fth metatarsal, said latter portion being of greaterthickness than the former, said latter portion being of a width toextend beneath the-forward portions of the fourth, third, and secondmetatarsals and of decreasing thickness beneath the forward portionsofthe third and second meta tarsals to ease weight transfer to theforward portion of the first metatarsal, said insert being of restrictedextent to permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posteriorportion of the os calcis of a foot to be supported by the insole of theshoe.

8. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supportingthe cuboid, said os calcis and cuboid supporting means being adapted topositively maintain the os calcis and cuboid in normal longitudinal archrelationship, means for supporting the base of the fifth metatarsal, andmeans for supporting the head of the fifth metatarsal, said supportingdevice being of restricted extent to permit the head of the firstmetatarsal and the posterior portion of the os calcis to be supported bythe insole of a shoe with which said device is associated.

9. In a device of the kind described, an insert adapted to be disposedin a conventional shoe comprising a portion for supporting the anteriorportion of the os calcis of a foot above the plane of the insole of theshoe, said anterior portion supporting portion terminating short of theposterior portion of the os calcis so that the posterior portion of theos calcis is supportedron the insole, a portion for supporting the baseof the fifth metatarsal above the plane of the insole, and a portion forsupporting the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and secondmetatarsals above the plane of the insole, said portion supporting theanterior portion of the thickness than the other said supportingportions.

10. An insert for disposition within a conventional shoe, said insertbeing of a configuration to lie beneath the anterior portion of the oscalcis, the cuboid, and the fifth, fourth, third and second metatarsalsof a foot, said insert providing a positive support for the anteriorportion of the os calcis, the cuboid, the base of the fifth metatarsaland the forward portions of the fifth, fourth, third and secondmetatarsals, but being of restricted extent to permit the posteriorportion of the os calcis and the head of the first metatarsal to besupported directly by the insole..

11. A device for supporting portions of a foot comprising means forsupporting the anterior portion of the os calcis, means for supportingthe base of the fifth metatarsal, and means for supporting the head ofthe fifth metatarsal, said supporting device being of restricted extentto permit the head of the first metatarsal and the posterior portion ofthe os calcis to be supported by the insole of a shoe with which saiddevice is associated.

CHARLES P. LEYDECKER.

